Kano State has reinforced its commitment to educational reform by allocating 30 percent of its 2026 budget to the Ministry of Education. The state’s Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda, announced that over ₦430 billion of the record ₦1.4 trillion total budget is dedicated to the sector. This move continues a three-year trend under Governor Abba Yusuf aimed at reversing years of systemic neglect and infrastructure decay in the nation’s most populous northern state.
Speaking during an interactive session in Kano as part of the National Media Tour, Dr. Makoda explained that the heavy investment was necessitated by a state of emergency declared by the current administration. He noted that the sector suffered significantly under previous leadership, resulting in dilapidated classrooms and a lack of basic learning materials. The 2026 allocation follows a consistent upward trajectory, with the state previously dedicating 29.75 percent in 2024 and 31.5 percent in 2025 to education.
According to Dr. Makoda, the financial commitment is already yielding results across the 44 local government areas. The government has undertaken the renovation of numerous public institutions, including Day Science schools, and has introduced a free school uniform policy for primary pupils. The commissioner emphasised that because Kano has the highest number of public schools in Nigeria, with basic enrollment exceeding 4.9 million students, the logistics of these interventions require substantial and sustained funding.
The administration is also focusing on human capital and reducing the financial burden on parents. Over 18,000 teachers have been recruited to bolster the workforce, while the state has earmarked ₦4.4 billion this year alone to cover examination fees. These funds will sponsor more than 183,000 students for the West African Examinations Council, National Examinations Council, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, and other critical certifications to ensure that poverty does not block the path to higher education.
Beyond traditional schooling, the state is moving to address its high population of out-of-school children and the Almajiri system. Dr. Makoda revealed that there are currently 13,600 registered Arabic and Islamic schools in the state. He stated that a committee was recently constituted to ascertain the exact number of children currently outside the formal school system to allow for data-driven planning and integration.
The Commissioner’s remarks were part of a broader effort to showcase the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda and state-level collaborations. Dr. Makoda maintained that the strategic projects are visible in all 448 wards of the state, signalling a long-term shift toward prioritising youth empowerment through qualitative education.